Glen Rock High School’s DECA, 2017-2018 edition, has been initiated as of Friday, Oct. 6, 2017’s meeting.

It was at this meeting at 10:52 a. m. in Glen Rock High School’s auditorium that business teachers Frank Manziano and Alyssa Sedlak discussed the 2017-2018 Distributive Education Clubs of America’s schedule of events, usage of the Remind app and Google classroom to keep participants informed, and the selection of events to participate in, on top of an introduction to the actual club and explanation as to what DECA is truly all about.

“DECA is a great way for students to explore particular areas of business,” described Sedlak. “In addition, the role play events are a great way to practice their presentation skills and learn how to act in a professional environment.”

DECA allows students to role-play different business world scenarios from the perspective of a finance worker, marketing worker, or a number of other roles, with competition among students to develop and present the best possible solution to given scenarios in a professional manner. The meeting discussed four major field trips that participation in DECA at school prepares for, being Jets Sports Business Day on November 29, 2017, the regional conference at Ramapo College on January 3, 2018, and based on qualification through the regional conference, the state conference at Harrah’s Atlantic City from February 27 to March 1, 2018, which allows for opportunity to qualify for Atlanta, Georgia’s international conference from April 21 to 24, 2018.

On top of Manziano’s fourth year of advisory and Sedlak’s second, particular students have already taken on leadership roles on top of beginning to prepare for role-play events.

“I’m excited to work with the president, Alexa Amram,” said Lauren Amram (‘20), a 2nd year DECA participant and the president’s younger sister.

Among these roles, Alexa Amram (‘18) and Amanda Giummarra (‘18) are DECA’s co-presidents, with Maddie Lyon (‘18) as executive vice president.

A number of participants such as Lauren are returning for another edition of a previous positive experience.

“Last year I was apart of DECA and it was a very good experience,” she said. “It was interesting because it felt like a real business meeting. I’m taking a marketing class this year which I believe should help me do better in competition this year.”

Several new members have also taken the leap to join DECA, as Manziano and Sedlak have encouraged.

“If you are interested in learning business and are taking or did take or soon will be taking a business course at GRHS, then why not join DECA?” said Manziano. “You will do yourself a huge favor by joining DECA.”

The 2017-2018 season of DECA is barely underway, but new and old participants are already preparing physically and mentally for a fresh and exciting business-related experience. If interested in doing the same, sign-ups for DECA have yet to close, according to Manziano.

“It’s not too late for a student to join,” said Manziano. “The real deadline is about November 1st for me to be able to get them set up in time.”